X INTRODUCTION 



to hunt out the deeper truths. At the same time, 

 however, children should gain a positive enrichment 

 of knowledge and observation and should give ex- 

 pression to a definite fund of ideas and experience. 

 In other words, the lessons should be fruitful in 

 ideas and in the power to express them. 



It is quite evident that a teacher in nature study 

 must know how to live happily and companionably 

 with children among the birds, flowers, insects, and 

 trees. Merely to know how to enjoy an excursion 

 with children is a great thing. In addition to this, 

 one must learn to concentrate the children's thoughts 

 along given lines, for a mere chasing after chance 

 birds and butterflies will not answer. Having awak- 

 ened the attention and interest of children in certain 

 lines, it is necessary to lead on to more definite 

 observations, and, sooner or later, to get from the 

 children a clear statement of facts. 



The teacher's questions and suggestions are de- 

 signed to throw the children constantly upon their 

 own power to observe, to experiment, to find out. 

 Self -activity and thoughtfulness may be stimulated 

 at every turn, and the foundation may be laid for 

 an alert and self-reliant mind. 



It is natural for children in these early years to 

 observe, but the teacher should lead them to observe 



